Dog-Friendly Traveling Tips for Any Destination: Yes, This Can Be Fun!
Dog Friendly Accomodations and Preparation Makes Traveling with your Pets Much Easier
Over the years, my dogs have traveled literally everywhere with me. They have traveled from the mountains of West Virginia to the beaches of the Atlantic and many places in between. My dogs have stayed in hotels, motels, homes and condos during their stays and have exercised on beaches and in parks as well. More often than not, I've been told their behavior and manners were much better than most other guests with two legs! I've found that while traveling with my pets isn't always easy, it can be fun and for a pet lover like me, very meaningful. The following tips are all tried and true tips that have made my vacations and visits with my sweet companions much easier and a lot more fun. For the record, other states that we have visited include: Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Dog Friendly Traveling Tips
Tried and True Traveling Tips for Pet Owners
1. Accomodations: Reserve rooms in pet friendly establishments. Please make sure that you read the ratings and make sure they are safe and secure. Also, call ahead and see how much extra it is for your pet and what the rules are regarding the size and weight of the animals that you are bringing with you. Sometimes I've had to pay $100 for the duration of the trip and other times, it's been free.
2. Vet Checkup: Visit the Vet before your trip. While at the Veterinarian, please make sure your pet has all of his or her shots and vaccinations up to date and medications refilled. Also, remember to get copies of the shots to take with you while traveling(I keep mine in a folder inside my suitcase).
2. Leashes, Harnesses and Tags: Identification tags and chips should be up to date with your name, address and phone number. Please have two numbers on the collar and use a harness for your dog when your traveling(putting tags on the harness as well). It doesn't hurt to be too protected. Also, have a couple of leashes in case you lose one or it breaks while you're away. Once again, it's better to be safe than sorry.
3. Pet Seatbelts: Secure your pets in the vehicle while you're driving. There are various methods available, but the most important thing is to have the animal secure while your driving.
4. Suitcase: Pack your pets favorite toy, blanket and bed if possible. This makes the transition much easier and makes them feel more like they're home.
5. Water: Fill a gallon jug with water from your house and take it. If your stay is longer, you may want to take more water with you. This will keep your dog, cat or other pet from getting sick by drinking foreign water.
6. Pack their food. Please take their own food and treats from hom. This will keep them on their own balanced diet.
7. Crate: Don't forget to bring a crate to keep them in when you leave the hotel. I also take a lock to lock the crate while I'm out. This makes me feel more secure.
8. Do Not Disturb: While you're out of your room, keep your pet or pets in a crate and then secure the crate. Also, place the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door to keep people out. This will help to ensure that no one comes in to your room with your pets. I've even put mine in the bathroom area inside the crate away from the main door.
9. Routines: Keep to your routines even when your traveling. Remember they have to use the restroom just like you do! While driving, stop and walk them at a rest stop. However, please keep them on a leash and pay attention to your surroundings. They depend on you to stay safe. Also, walk them when you're at the hotel. If you're gone for long periods of time, make sure you plan for them as well. Many cities have doggie day care operations and can help if needed. However, please check them out before leaving your pet with them.
10. TOO busy: If you find that your trip will be too hectic or too busy or you have too many people with you, please leave your dog or pets at home with a well trained pet sitter. Although we all love our pets, there's a time when they need to be safe and cared for in their own home. This will make your trip much more enjoyable while keeping your pet safer.
